Reese Witherspoon fondly recalled Diane Keaton’s influence on her acting career, highlighting their special connection before Keaton’s death at age 79. Witherspoon, reflecting on her beginnings, shared how the late actress played a key role in giving her early job opportunities, shaping her path in Hollywood.
Diane Keaton’s Role in Launching Witherspoon’s Career
In 1991, a young Reese Witherspoon auditioned for the television movie Wildflower, which was directed by Diane Keaton. Witherspoon recalled Keaton’s original and welcoming nature on set, describing her as an “auntie” figure during the production. This opportunity marked one of Witherspoon’s first major roles, providing an important stepping stone in her career.
Witherspoon said,
“She just really took a chance on me,”
expressing the significance of Keaton’s support early on. She also remarked,
“You never forget those people who give you your first job opportunities.”
Sharing Memories Following Diane Keaton’s Passing
Diane Keaton passed away on October 11 due to bacterial pneumonia, leaving behind two adult children. Soon after the news of her death, Witherspoon publicly expressed her sorrow and gratitude for Keaton’s mentorship during a Shine Away panel event in Los Angeles. She spoke emotionally about the impact Keaton had on her life and career, emphasizing their early connection.
Witherspoon reflected,
“I just wanted to talk to you for one second because, and I’m gonna try to get through this without tearing up, but I don’t know if you guys heard that Diane Keaton passed.”
She continued,
“I had to take a second to just really think about it because when I was 15 years old. Diane was really important — she was one of my first mentors in this business.”
Recalling her audition, Witherspoon explained,
“I was 15 years old and I was from Nashville, Tennessee, and I didn’t know anybody and I came on, it was my second, maybe my third movie audition ever, and I auditioned for her and she looked at me after … and she goes, who are you?”
She introduced herself, saying,
“I’m Reese Witherspoon. I’m from Nashville, Tennessee.”
She added,
“She said, ‘Are you making that up? That accent that you’re doing?’”
and went on to reveal that Keaton responded warmly,
“Well, you’re hired today, tomorrow [and] the next day. I don’t know who you are, but I’m excited to have you.”
The Enduring Legacy of Diane Keaton in Film and Mentorship
Since her role in Wildflower, Reese Witherspoon has had a prolific career across films and television, much like Diane Keaton, who herself was a beloved figure in the industry for decades. Keaton was particularly known for portraying nurturing mother characters in acclaimed romantic comedies.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley Recalls Diane Keaton’s Support During ‘Father of the Bride’
Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley also shared her memories of Diane Keaton, describing her as a motherly presence while filming the 1991 hit Father of the Bride. Williams-Paisley, who was 19 at the time and playing Annie Banks, said she experienced anxiety during the production, but Keaton acted as a source of comfort and safety.
Williams-Paisley said,
“I remember I had a lot of anxiety during those two movies,”
and added,
“I mean, I was 19 on the first one. It was the first major role I had, and Diane was like a mother figure to me, who was very safe.”
She also spoke about their personal conversations, saying,
“I talked to her about my anxiety. I had a lot of dreams. I’m a big dreamer, literally a big dreamer, but I would have, like, weird nightmares and weird [things], and I think it was, like, me working out my anxiety in the middle of the night, and she would analyze dreams with me.”
Williams-Paisley’s character Annie Banks’ mother, Nina Banks, was played by Keaton in the film, which also starred Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Kieran Culkin, capturing audiences with its heartfelt story of wedding preparations.
Impact of Diane Keaton’s Mentorship on Hollywood Generations
Diane Keaton’s nurturing approach extended beyond her on-screen roles, deeply influencing younger actors like Reese Witherspoon and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Her willingness to take a chance on emerging talent and provide emotional support has left a lasting impression on those she worked with, helping shape the next wave of Hollywood performers.
Witherspoon’s reflections capture the significance of such mentorship in an uncertain industry, reinforcing Keaton’s legacy not only as an actress but as a guiding figure.
